Summer Hazards- Skin Cancer

For many, Summer time in the United States involves laying out in the sun. While this is one way to get a desired tan, it is also a way to get skin cancer. There are three major types of skin cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma. Express Medical Supplies wants to help you by providing information that can help you prevent your chances of skin cancer.

The Basics on Skin Cancer

The Mayo Clinic defines Skin Cancer as the abnormal growth of Skin Cells. One of the main reasons a person can get skin cancer is being exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. You can also do this by using a tanning bed. Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. Symptoms include a waxy looking bump or a flat, brown, scar-like lesion on areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun. Over 90% of skin cancer cases deal with Basal Cell Carcinoma. Basal Cell Carcinoma does not have the ability to spread throughout the body (matastasize) like other forms of skin cancer does. Therefore, if caught and treated early, Basal Cell Carcinoma can be easily dealt with. Squamous Cell Carcinoma is found in the tissue that forms the surface of your skin. Unlike Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma can metastasize to other areas of the body. Early stages of Squamous Cell Carcinoma appear as rough, red bumps. Later forms can appear as mounds with center craters on infected areas. The most serious type of skin cancer is Melanoma. This form of skin cancer begins in the cells that produce melanin or pigment. Melanoma can also form in moles that are present at birth. Melanoma spreads easily and at a rapid rate. Like other cancers, if Melanoma is caught early, it can be easily treated.

Treating Skin Cancer

For early stages of skin cancer, many treatments can be done. These include curettage and desiccation, medical cream , and radiation therapy. For later stages, surgical removal of infected areas are required. Sometimes Chemotherapy is also required. The best way to prevent skin cancer is to use protection while soaking in the rays. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher everyday. Also, try to minimize exposure to the sun from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, this is when the sun’s UV rays are strongest.

Check out Express Medical Supplies online today for all of your medical supply needs. If you would rather talk on the phone, you can call one of our friendly customer sales agents at 888-886-6337